Ok fellow Linux gamers. Who can tell me what controller to buy? I need non Bluetooth, wireless, gyro, Xbox style controller for my gaming needs. It needs to be able to move from Linux to Windows without re-pairing. If it matters, the system is a bazzite Windows dual boot. Bazzite for most things but Windows for anti cheat BS games that won’t work in Linux.
I was looking at the 8bitdo ultimate 2 or 3 but have no experience with them.
I’m extremely fatigued with re-pairing my Xbox and switch pro controllers and trying to overcome my shitty Bluetooth. Thanks!
Ultimate 2 Wireless is great, I’ve used it for a while for gyro gaming. Just FYI you need a Windows or macOS to update the firmware so you can use it.
Seconding the Ultimate Wireless 2.
I had to use a Windows VM to update the Dongle and Controller firmware but afterwards, perfect Linux experience with Steam Input.
The 2.4ghz dongle is so much better than my Tp-Link Bluetooth adapter that I never want to use my DualShock 4 again.
You mentioned constant re-pairing with your Xbox controller, but I don’t find that to be an issue since the Xbox controller (Elite 2, I think) can retain 2 paired devices. In my case, it was my Xbox and a Galaxy tablet, then my Xbox and a Steam Deck.
If your Xbox controller is a newer version, double-tapping the Bluetooth pairing button on the controller should switch between devices. That should lessen your frustration, I think.
Doesn’t meet your other requirements, but since you already have one, maybe it will give you some breathing room until the Steam controller comes out, which will likely hit all your spots.
Happy gaming!
Wait a bit for the new steam controller
If you’re not willing to wait for the new Steam Controller then the new Gulikit TT Max has basically all the functionality and customization available today. Gyro, Wifi, adjustable thumbstick tension, you can even swap the face buttons between XBox and Switch layout.
Here’s a detailed write-up.
I’m extremely fatigued with re-pairing my Xbox and switch pro controllers and trying to overcome my shitty Bluetooth.
This shouldn’t be a problem. Sounds like maybe you have a hardware issue? Have you tried updating the Xbox controller firmware?
I do have a hardware issue. The onboard Bluetooth on my gigabyte motherboard is extremely unstable. I’ve got some workarounds but it seems like it’ll be easier to just get dedicated controllers and transmitters. Once a controller is connected it’s usually fine but it’ll take 10 minutes of resetting Bluetooth, turning off internal Bluetooth, repair, remove remembered devices, etc etc until it works. I’m worn down trying to look for answers and waving a white flag.
I’d recommend picking up a USB Bluetooth antenna. I had a similar issue with my mobo and finally said “eff it” and fixed my problem externally.
A good bluetooth dongle will likely fix your connectivity issues at a portion of the cost of new controllers and dedicated wireless solutions.
If it’s a hardware issue with your mobo then a new controller won’t fix it.
It’s why I’m looking for a non Bluetooth solution. My old steam controller with it’s dedicated transmitter works great
Oh okay. Apologies for derailing the thread.
No worries. Appreciate the input
I got 8bitdo ult 2 but use it exclusively on Steam Deck. Runs great and easily remapped.
Vader 4 Pro but I can’t speak to the experience on Windows. You’ll likely need to use Steam to launch everything on both OSes to get the best experience, too.
Or wait for the Steam Controller refresh which should be launched this year.
Can also suggest the Vader 3/4 Pro controllers. Steam has official support for the controller in the DInput mode and supports the back paddles and gyro!
I was planning on waiting for the steam controller but today I had a mental break down trying to re-pair everything from my kids changing devices. It would probably be easy usually but my Bluetooth is bogus. Best solution is dedicated controller transmitter imo but don’t know if I have the patience to wait
How about using two different controllers dedicated to a specific OS, that you do not pair again.
8bitdo Ultimate 2 (the non switch one). Supports steam input natively including gyro.
The problem with Xbox style is, that Xbox does not support wireless. For the 8bitdo ultimate 2 that means you have different modes of the controller. In xbox mode (default) it acts like a xbox controller. No support for gyro. You have to hold specific buttons when starting it, so it starts as Switch controller. In the Switch mode it supports gyro, but A and B are swapped and it does no longer act like a Xbox controller, which some games might handle it differently. Another little annoyance is, that the firmware cannot be updated in Linux itself.
As for the repairing, I don’t actually know if you need to when using on a different OS. I know the controller has builtin memory to save and use the configuration regardless of the OS. Meaning setting it up in Windows, and then using in Linux without additional software. Now when I think about it, I do not need to re-pair it, when I update the firmware in a virtual machine. Switching it back from Windows to Linux, there is no need to re-pair it. But I don’t have other experience.
I’m just sharing my frustration with this gamepad. Gyro was one of the reasons why I purchased it, and I cannot use it because i don’t want to use it in Switch mode. At least the dock is pretty cool and it acts as its own connection. It also supports Bluetooth, but I don’t use Bluetooth. I think the upcoming Steam Controller from Valve will be the ultimate controller, with gyro and trackpads builtin. No driver or firmware shenanigans, no mode switching.
If you connect via Bluetooth, that ultimate 2 just supports steam input natively with the correct buttons displayed, including gyro.
But then its in Switch mode right? Also Switch mode does not support analog triggers as far as I know (never tested it on this controller). I’m on a battle against Bluetooth, had too many problems in the past (decade ago… I know lot has changed, but I do not even have a Bluetooth receiver to test it…).
This is why I kinda hate 8BitDo’s naming scheme. There’s 2 version of the Ultimate 2:
Ultimate 2 Bluetooth-Has the Nintendo button layout and is made primarily for Switch.
Ultimate 2 Wireless-Has the Xbox button layout, and is primarily made for PC.
If you have the Wireless with the Xbox layout, it’s Bluetooth doesn’t register as a Switch Pro Controller, just as a dinput device. It does support the Gyro and analog triggers.
I totally get the frustration with bluetooth, I used a normal switch pro controller for years on my pc and had constant issues with it. That said, I haven’t had any issues with my Ultimate 2 Wireless. I’ve only had it since November, but I haven’t had any issues with it disconnecting.
If you want me to test anything on, let me know and I’ll be glad to :)
Thank you for the offering and for clearing things up. I do not have any requests or questions at the moment. When I replied above there, I recalled that there was 2 versions of it and almost had mentioned it. Reason why I didn’t is, because I was unsure and didn’t want spread misinformation… which shows how bad the situation actually is, as an owner of the Wireless Xbox variant.
At the moment I just gave up on the gyro, which is a shame, because that was one of the reasons to buy it. But I do not want to change the mode every time I decide to play Switch emulation, or other console emulation or play Steam games and so on. I just wait for the launch of the Steam Controller and that’s it.
